Photographer explains exactly how Kate image has been 'manipulated' and why

11 March 2024 , 10:50

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The picture has been pulled (Image: PA)

The controversial image of the Princess of Wales and her three children which has been pulled by picture agencies around the world, has been manipulated in a number of ways.

Here the Mirror's staff photographer Adam Gerrard explains how it has been done and why. Adam said: "The image of Kate and the children which was released over the weekend was at first glance a great picture. It seemed perfect. Happy expressions and warmth - exactly what you'd want to see on Mothering Sunday.

"Unfortunately for William and Kate the love of the picture has been short lived as on closer inspection the image appears to have been sloppily photoshopped. As conspiracy theories run rife on social media my opinion is that it's likely that they decided, in their strive for perfection, to combine a couple of adjacent frames to construct the perfect image."

Adam said: "Capturing the perfect group photograph of any family can be tricky and take time. The more time you take the less spontaneous the end result. You can always guarantee someone will have their eyes closed or will be looking away from camera. Society's obsession with being picture perfect has never been stronger.

Charlotte's hair (PA)

George's hands (PA)

"Kensington Palace knew this picture needed to be right, analysts were always going to pour over it. It is sad that the sentiment of the picture has been lost and fuel added to the fire of the daft conspiracy mongers."

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And Michael Rye the Daily Mirror's Picture Editor who has seen thousands of royal images cross his desk added: "It's now easier than ever before to edit your family pictures... all from the palm of your hand. Google is basing it's latest ad campaign for it's new Google Pixel8 smartphone around just that - 'AI in your hands' Saying, 'Turn a grey sky into a sunset or move your friends to the center of the shot with Magic Editor¹ and 'makes group photos easier by blending images for everyone’s best look'."

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Kelly-Ann Mills